Validation for people living with chronic pain

Validation for people living with chronic pain

Author: ABC Australia September 5, 2026 Duration: 45:33
An international study of the genes of 2.5 million people confirms fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder. A rheumatologist explains the relationship to other disorders including CFS/ME and long COVID. Women of reproductive age are getting iron infusions at an increasingly high rate. What’s causing the numbers to rise so sharply and who is missing out? Cuts to USAID are having big impacts on spread of HIV in Africa, according to a leading South African expert. What can we learn from their experience about how to manage the growing spread of the disease in Fiji and elsewhere in our region? References Nature Medicine: The genetic architecture of fibromyalgia across 2.5 million individuals Increasing utilisation of intravenous iron among Australian women of reproductive age, 2013–2024: an Australian population-based study Pacific Beat: Australia boosts Fiji's HIV crisis response with new $8 million funding Maternal RSVpreF Vaccine Effectiveness Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Hospitalized Infants New England Journal of Medicine: Atorvastatin, Cardiovascular Events, and Disability-free Survival in Older Adults The BMJ: Measles: CDC refuses to record Pennsylvania fatalities in “measles associated deaths” row    

Tune in to Health Report for a clear-eyed look at the medical news that actually impacts your life. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, this ABC podcast cuts through the noise of health headlines, offering grounded analysis and practical context. Each episode is a conversation that breaks down complex research, emerging health threats, and wellness trends, separating evidence from hype. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, interview experts, and answer the questions that arise from weekly health scares and breakthroughs. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond soundbites and understand the science behind their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to major public health policies. This isn't just about information; it's about building a deeper, more useful understanding of how to navigate the ever-changing world of health. Join Norman and Preeya for thoughtful discussions that make sense of it all, ensuring you’re equipped with knowledge that makes a tangible difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
Why you should speed up your steps, even just in short bursts. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:43
A study looking at step intensity and step count provides helpful advice for those who are limited in their time and ability to increase the number of steps and their pace. The pharmaceutical company closest to getting a…
Same work but no training pathway for unaccredited registrars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:40
It's become harder for medical students to qualify as a fully accredited specialist. This delay is having a profound impact on the wellbeing of doctors and on access to specialists across Australia. A new study shows peo…
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Duration: 42:56
New clinical guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer make big changes to screening, with an end to the digital examination and more frequent PSA tests in older age groups. A new global study suggests people ove…
BMI fails the test as a predictor of disease risk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:49
A study shows waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) should be included with BMI when assessing patients with abdominal fat for risk of cardiovascular disease. A new rapid 'lateral flow' test is being tria…
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Duration: 43:38
A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device? Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor glucose lev…
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Duration: 43:23
There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your w…
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Duration: 43:07
A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be author…
Could a sleep supplement help reduce chronic pain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:19
While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used. A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease…